The following section of frequently asked questions is a result of one night’s search on the Internet for information to compile this list. It is in no way meant to answer once and for all your concerns rather it should be taken more as food for thought or a starting point if you will. If you do have any issues it is my hope that you pray and seek God’s answer and not merely take my word for it. If you still are unsure please seek counsel from a church leader you trust. I left martial arts for several years while I dealt with this very issue and understand why it may be confusing.
Is it right for Christians to defend themselves via the martial arts when the Bible says to “turn the other cheek”?
Yes. I believe that Scripture allows Christians to use offensive force for self-defense against crime and injustice. If self-defense is scripturally justifiable so long as it is conducted without unnecessary violence, then so are the martial arts (the physical aspect only).
Background: Since pacifism is not on trial here, but self-defense, the following background provides a biblical case for self-defense rather than attempting to dismantle the arguments for pacifism.
Though the Bible is silent regarding the Asian martial arts, it nonetheless records many accounts of fighting and warfare. The providence of God in war is exemplified by His name YHWH Saboath (“The Lord of hosts” – Ex. 12:41). God is portrayed as the omnipotent Warrior-Leader of the Israelites. God, the LORD of hosts, raised up warriors among the Israelites called the shopetim (savior-deliverers). Samson, Deborah, Gideon, and others were anointed by the Spirit of God to conduct war. The New Testament commends Old Testament warriors for their military acts of faith (Heb. 11:30-40). Moreover, it is significant that although given the opportunity to do so, none of the New Testament saints – nor even Jesus – are ever seen informing a military convert that he needed to resign from his line of work (Matt. 8:5-13; Luke. 3:14).
Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus revealed to His disciples the future hostility they would face and encouraged them to sell their outer garments in order to purchase a sword (Luke. 22:36-38; cf. 2 Cor. 11:27). Here the “sword” (maxairan) is a “dagger or short sword [that] belonged to the Jewish traveler’s equipment as protection against robbers and wild animals”. It is perfectly clear from this passage that Jesus approved of self-defense.
Self-defense may actually result in one of the greatest examples of human love. Christ said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:14). When protecting one’s family or neighbor, a Christian is unselfishly risking his or her own life for the safety of others.
The late Francis Schaeffer put it this way:
The Bible is clear here: I am to love my neighbor as myself, in the manner needed, in a practical way, in the midst of the fallen world, at my particular point of history. This is why I am not a pacifist. Pacifism in this poor world in which we live – this lost world – means that we desert the people who need our greatest help. What if you come upon a big, burly man beating a tiny tot to death and plead with him to stop? Suppose he refuses? What does love mean now? Love means that I stop him in any way I can, including hitting him. To me this is not only necessary for humanitarian reasons: it is loyalty to Christ’s commands concerning Christian love in a fallen world. What about the little girl? If I desert her to the bully, I have deserted the true meaning of Christian love – responsibility to my neighbor.
J.P. Moreland and Norman Geisler likewise say that:
“. . . to permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In fact not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally.”
Should we blindly follow our karate teacher (sensei)?
I do not believe that you should believe your sensei blindly. This could lead into some very bad situations. A sensei is not there to "rule" over you with an iron rod. A sensei is there to "help" guide you in your martial arts. As with all things in life, you should weigh carefully everything that they say, weigh it with other things that you learn, then come to a conclusion whether or not to accept what they say. I know that this is not what a lot of sensei's would tell you, but I believe that this is true.
I would suggest that everyone test their potential instructor to make sure that they are teaching for the right reasons. It will affect you for the rest of your life who you make as your instructor. Remember, the instructor is there to help you grow, not tear you down.
When we bow in class, does it mean we are worshiping the sensei?
There are two very simple ways to look at this. First, you need to know the culture of the martial arts. Since martial arts was formalized in the Orient, many of the customs were integrated into the martial arts system. … bowing was much like a hand shake in America. It is a simple form of saying hi and showing respect. It has nothing to do with "worship" as we associate it to our worship. This was a hard at first to understand, but the more that I looked into bowing in the Orient, the clearer it became to me that under that circumstance, it was ok because I was not "worshiping" anything while I bowed. The Bible is clear that you must worship only the Lord and nothing else. I commend you on your strong faith.
So, after understanding this, I still keep the tradition of "bowing in" before class. I do not however bow to any pictures or flags etc. Only to the instructor as a form of tradition and respect, not worship. But, this is clearly taught and understood with all students. This is one solution.
But, I understand that the Lord might have different instructions for different people. I respect that.
Can you teach "Christian" karate?
Yes you can! Karate in it self is similar to sports that we do today such as baseball and football. It is when you start incorporating Christianity that it becomes Christian Karate. Now, you can have other forms of karate depending on what religion you incorporate into it. A lot of martial arts that is taught in America today has an Eastern religion slant to it. This is because many instructors just blindly teach what they were taught and do not look into the details of the religious aspects of it. Here we have taken out all forms of any eastern religions and have added many Christian teachings and beliefs. You will not find any trace of any eastern religion here!
Do we need a Gi (uniform) at first?
No, you do not need a Gi at first. There are many benefits to having a Gi though. First, it is a loose fitting, light uniform that allows you to train more freely. It also helps you to get into the attitude of karate. A lot of the times when a student for some reason cannot wear their uniform, they feel as though they cannot train as hard without it. It helps you to see your technique and lets you know when you are not doing something right. When you do a correct technique, your uniform should make a snapping sound. When you do not do your technique correct, there will be no snapping sound.
You will need to have a uniform to advance in rank. We do not just let anyone come and get rank that wants to.
We suggest for children to wait for a couple weeks until you make the decision to get the uniform to make sure they really want to do it.
However, you are free to get your uniform at anytime you wish.
What do I have to have or do to be prepared for my first class?
Nothing much. Just show up a little early and be prepared to work out. Make sure you have enough water during the day. You will need to wear shorts/sweats and a t-shirt. No rings, or necklaces.
Can I watch my kids when they do karate?
Yes you can. We encourage family participation and encouragement. However, we will ask that you do not "sideline" teach your kids when they are in class. They usually have a hard enough time listening to just the teacher, let alone their parents as well.
Do you teach discipline to my kids?
Yes. They will learn discipline along with respect, and Christian character qualities. This will take some time depending on the child. You should start seeing big changes in the first 6 months of karate.
Is fighting encouraged to my kids?
No, fighting is not encouraged to anyone. We teach the kids that you are only to use this karate if you have no other possible defense. We teach that you should run away from the situation, rather than fight. Some parents have said that the fighting at home has gone away when they started karate.
My child has ADD, is that ok to still do karate?
ADD and ADHD are attention and behavior disorders. Karate can and will help most children to focus, learn discipline and coordination, along with using up that extra energy that seems to be constant. Karate will do the same with ADD children, it normally takes a little longer before all these concepts click. Expect 2-3 months of unfocused classes and allow the instructor to deal with the child in class. It has been our experience that if you give these children time with structured teaching they will learn and focus also.
At what age can children start taking karate?
Our Karate classes are currently 1 hour long, many young children do not have an attention span that will last through the entire class, we suggest that your child be at least 5 years old and preferably 6 to start classes.
How do you use Christianity in karate?
Karate is an athletic sport and we focus a lot on developing the physical body and we also focus on our spirit through assigning required Bible reading and the memorization of Christian character qualities. We also incorporate prayer in our classes and encourage the fellowship of believers through other activities outside of class.
What if I am not a Christian, can I still come to karate?
Yes, you are welcome in our school. We just ask that you attend and participate in classes with an open and positive mind. We are a Christian organization and we do speak of our beliefs and you will be required to memorize verses and read the Bible in order to progress in rank.
Will I be pressured to become a Christian if I am not a Christian?
No. You will never be pressured into becoming a Christian but scripture memorization is required.
Because martial arts is a controversial issue with potential for causing other Christians to stumble, why does your group choose to practice martial arts?
First, we believe that it is possible for a Christian to practice martial arts completely divorcing the Eastern religious philosophy and mysticism – even learning scripture in the process. Second, as we attempts to reach out into our Judea, we are willing to embrace controversy for the sake of the Gospel. Of the two to three million martial arts practitioners in the United States, 40 percent are children between the ages of seven and fourteen. This represents and highlights enormous possibilities for us to attract unchurched children interested in a martial arts program.
While we are excited about the evangelistic opportunities afforded by a martial arts program we nonetheless do not take lightly the responsibility as leaders to be careful not to cause a Christian brother or sister to stumble (Rom. 14:21). We understand that it is possible that a Christian might become disillusioned seeing a respected brother or sister practicing the martial arts, thinking that such involvement is a compromise of the faith. Or perhaps a weaker Christian might conclude (for example) that it’s okay to practice Zen meditation since his more mature brother practices the martial arts, thereby (apparently) giving approval for all that is involved in the martial arts.
There are two approaches one may take in dealing with a Christian brother or sister who is stumbling: 1) Complete abstinence from the activity. Because of the great potential for expanding the kingdom of God through the incorporation of martial arts, we have chosen not to exercise this approach. 2) Clarification of lack of information or misinformation. It is our opinion that much stumbling over martial arts takes place because of a lack of understanding. As we become aware of ones who become stumbled we are committed to determining specifically what issue has become the point of offense (e.g., the use of physical force, the “chi” force, or meditation). We will then address the issue, clarifying any misconceptions the person may have (e.g., physical force is to be used for self-defense only; there is no use of “chi”; Eastern meditation is off limits). We trust that such efforts will satisfactorily relieve the brother or sister’s concern.
An article from: The Christian Martial Arts Network
Q. Is there such a thing as Christian martial arts and can it be used to evangelize and bring people to know and grow in Jesus Christ?
A. The answers are undoubtedly "YES" and "YES." In fact, it is being used around the world in a widespread, evangelical ministry to reach people from all walks of life.
While there are many Christian martial arts schools and associations in existence, society has little knowledge of what they truly represent or how they integrate sound Christian values, teaching, and evangelism with martial arts. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding creates skepticism that often times keeps people from getting involved, and therefore, never discovering the benefits that come from Christian martial arts training.
Without a doubt, martial arts is highly misunderstood in Western society. It is often associated with mysticism, violence, and warfare, as well as Eastern cultures, religions, and philosophies. It is true that the martial arts was invented and developed in the Far East, and therefore, took on the culture, religion, and philosophy of its teachers and students by association.
However, the martial arts is not cultural, not religious, and not philosophical in and of itself; it reflects the values and principles of its teachers, which can be Christian or any other religion.
So, is martial arts compatible with Christianity? After all, what does a karate expert like Bruce Lee have in common with a Christian expert like, say, Billy Graham? Any attempt to prove that martial arts concepts are compatible or incompatible with Christian concepts (such as proving that self defense is permissible in the Bible) is a moot point.
First, the martial arts is NOT a religion, so it cannot be compared to one.
Second, there are folks that say football is violent, and is therefore antichristian, and that rock music is from the devil. However, most of us know that football players can play football and be Christian, too, and that rock music can be used to minister to youth and glorify God by changing the lyrics and focus to Christ. So, why wouldn't it be reasonable to think that a martial artist can be Christian, and that martial arts can reach youth and glorify God when the focus is on Jesus?
Now that we have some things straight, I'd like to challenge you with an even deeper concept. There is a different between a Christian who practices the martial arts and a Christian martial artist. Being Christian and driving a car doesn't necessarily make you a Christian car driver. Being a Christian and eating a burger, doesn't make you a Christian burger eater, either. So how does being a Christian and practicing martial arts make you a Christian martial artist? It doesn't!
It is fine to be a Christian and practice martial arts purely for the sport of it, but a Christian martial artist takes it a step further. A Christian martial artist is one who uses the martial arts as a tool to live out his/her life in the Lord Jesus Christ and to help other people come to know Jesus Christ and live their lives for Him, too. This is very good because the Bible says that anything and everything Christians do, they must do for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Because the very structure of the martial arts is developmental in the body, mind, and soul; focused and objective-oriented; and full of martial concepts and thinking, it helps people to live and breathe the concepts of Christian life and service. The Bible is full of martial concepts, especially in the area of Spiritual warfare. God instructs us to resist the devil and put on the ARMOR OF GOD, which he explains in pieces.
He instructs us how to care for our bodies, as they are HIS temple and dwelling place when we are born again. He tells us to love Him with our strength!
So, for His and only His glory, a Christian martial artist is always somewhere on the road to:
· Eternal salvation through Jesus Christ
· Personal relationship with God
· Loving Jesus with heart-soul-mind-strength
· Christian character development through the Fruit of the Spirit
· Spiritual warfare with the full Armor of God
· Evangelism and the Great Commission
Christian Karate Association’s
Historical Position on Karate
We believe that Christians can study the martial arts and do so in holiness as unto the Lord. We, however, recognize the strong occult powers entrenched in Asian practice and academics. We also understand that the martial arts predate the oriental martial arts and our goal is to reclaim the martial arts for Christ.
It is commonly held by scholars of the martial arts that these arts were likely formalized as early as the Chou Dynasty in China (1122-205 B.C.). However, the Christian Karate Association takes the position that “martial” practices existed long before this period. In brief, it is recorded in the paintings and inscriptions of Egyptian tombs that fighting arts were being practiced in Egypt as early as 3000 B.C. Likewise, the Old Testament and other documents of that time indicate there were fighting arts practiced in Mesopotamia and the surrounding areas (3000-2000 B.C.). India and Pakistan also have an ancient history of martial arts such as yuddha, niyuddah, and marma-adi. In fact, it is virtually impossible to trace the history of martial arts back to a single origin. Yet, based on a Christian worldview of Earth’s history (creationism), it is possible to theorize a likely development.
The Christian worldview of self-defense is based on the fact that when humankind (Adam & Eve) sinned, the whole of God’s creation was perverted, becoming evil at the heart of its nature. The peace within God’s creation began to decay—animals began preying upon each other, thorns and thistles became part of the flora, and the Earth became a dangerous place. As the human race began to reproduce, differences of opinion, greed, and anger arose which led to fighting and eventually to warfare. Unlike the flora, the fauna, and the animals, humans have virtually no natural protection from the dangers of an evil world. People, therefore, used their intellect, which God had given to them, and began to develop means of self-protection.
On the most basic level, people likely protected themselves by merely swinging a stick at a danger. However, it is fair to assume that some individuals were better at self-preservation than others, and these individuals likely began to teach their families, friends, and community. It is upon this fundamental basis that the Christian martial artist believes martial arts (organized system of self-defense) were first brought into being.
The Christian Karate Association believes self-defense is something God necessarily allowed in His Creation because of sin. The God who put the quills in the porcupine, the scent in the skunk, and the venom in the viper, caused King David to say in Psalms 144:1 “Blessed be the Lord my strength, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.”
The Christian martial arts are not just about physical self-defense, but about spiritual graces and character such as, “A wise man is mightier than a strong man. Wisdom is mightier than strength.” (Proverbs 24:5), and “A soft tongue can break hard bones.” (Proverbs 25:15) This is one of the reasons that Christian character qualities are incorporated into the curriculum of the Christian Karate Association.